Commemoration of Blue Economy Day: Celebrating a Decade of the Seychelles Department of the Blue Economy

The 17^th July 2025 is a special one as it is not only celebrating Blue Economy Day but marks a significant milestone for the Department of Blue Economy with its 10th anniversary since its establishment.  One of the first of its kind in the world, formed to lead the country’s vision of linking ocean health with sustainable economic growth; coordinating marine policy, innovation, and climate resilience through a unified national approach.

Unlike traditional economic models that often prioritize short-term profits over long-term health, the Blue Economy seeks a balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being. Over the past decade, Seychelles has made landmark strides in redefining the relationship between ocean stewardship and economic development. Among our proudest accomplishments:

• International Leadership: Seychelles’designation of the African Union’s Blue Economy champion which has also been marked by our status as the first African nation and the fourth globally to ratify the High Seas Treaty, known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement.
• The launch of the world’s first Sovereign Blue Bonds, an innovative financial instrument that unlocked capital for marine conservation and sustainable fisheries.
• The successful completion of the Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) a data-driven blueprint for sustainable ocean use, now ready for implementation.
• Debt-for-Nature Swap: Seychelles pioneered the world’s first debt-for-nature swap for ocean conservation, redirecting national debt toward marine protection and sustainable blue financing.
• Ocean Literacy: A First of its kind in Africa where Seychelles is spearheading a national Ocean Literacy agenda to embed marine awareness and stewardship across schools, communities, and institutions.
• Joint Management Area (JMA): Seychelles and Mauritius jointly established the JMA, the first collaborative management of an extended continental shelf in Africa, setting a precedent in shared ocean governance.
• Exploration of new and emerging sectors, the Department of Blue Economy has catalyzed both new and existing businesses through financing mechanisms such as the Circular Economy Grant to innovate through sustainability-driven practices and new opportunities in sectors such as Marine Biotechnology and Circular Economy

The Department’s journey reflects a holistic and inclusive approach to Blue Economy development grounded in sustainable economic development, science, innovation, and equity. As we look forward, we acknowledge that this is only the beginning.

Seychelles continues to face significant challenges. Financial barriers persist, particularly in high-investment sectors like marine renewable energy and biotechnology. Climate change, with its devastating effects, rising sea levels, coral bleaching, and ocean acidification threatens both ecosystems and livelihoods. Over 90% of our population and infrastructure are vulnerable to coastal threats, placing urgent pressure on our marine resources.

We also confront critical capacity gaps in marine science and technology. But progress is being made. The way forward lies in deepening collaboration. International partnerships are key to unlocking finance, knowledge, and innovation. We invite global allies, private sector stakeholders, and the Seychellois people to join us as we enter a new chapter of ocean resilience and prosperity.

Ten years on, the Blue Economy has become more than a policy framework Seychelles has turned its greatest vulnerability, its isolation and dependence on the sea into a source of resilience and global influence.

The work is far from over, but the tide has turned. And in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles sails forward boldly;charting a sustainable and inclusive ocean economy for Seychelles, and for the world.